JIC RELEASE NO. 928 - Distribution of Free At-Home, Rapid COVID-19 Test Kits to Guam; Closure of Bureau of Economic Security Office - Northern Location

Guam residents can now place orders of at-home, rapid COVID-19 test kits online, limited to four free tests per residential or mailing address. Residents can order online at COVIDtests.gov or https://special.usps.com/testkits. 

The test kits are being provided through a partnership between the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) and the U.S. Postal Service (USPS). 

Guam residents are advised of the following:

• Orders are limited to four tests per residential or mailing address. 
• A mailing address cannot be used more than once to place an order. Once a mailing address has been used to place an order, it cannot be used again.
• At-home tests will begin shipping in late January. Shipments to Alaska, Hawaii, and the U.S. Territories and APO/FPO/DPO addresses will be sent through Priority Mail. 

Troubleshooting FAQs can be found HERE.

When performing at-home COVID-19 test kits, don’t forget to report your results to the Department of Public Health and Social Services (DPHSS) at dphss.surveillance@dphss.guam.gov. 

If You Test Positive for COVID-19 Using the at-home test kit: 

1. You must report your result within 24 hours to dphss.surveillance@dphss.guam.gov. Please provide your:

• Full Name

• Date of Birth

• Date of Test

• Results

• You must isolate at home or at a government isolation facility until cleared using the DPHSS Criteria for Discharging a Person from Isolation. Please refer to section G.

• Steps to take while in isolation:

1. Eat in a separate room or area; use a separate bedroom; use a separate bathroom. If sharing a bathroom, clean and disinfect after each use. 

2. Avoid sharing personal items – dishes, cups/glasses, silverware, towels, bedding or electronics (e.g., cellphone).

3. Wear a face mask.

4. Wash your hands often using soap and water, or hand sanitizer; avoid touching your eyes, nose, or mouth with unwashed hands.

5. Clean and disinfect “high touch” surfaces and items every day (tables, doorknobs, light switches, handles, desks, toilets, faucets, sinks, and electronics)

If at-home test result is negative, but you have symptoms or have been exposed to COVID-19:

1. You should get a confirmatory test as soon as possible to confirm your results

2. You should isolate until you receive your confirmed laboratory test result.

3. If you are symptomatic, advise your household members and other close contacts to stay home until you receive your confirmed laboratory test result.

4. If your confirmed laboratory test result is positive, DPHSS’ containment unit or your clinic will notify you of your positive laboratory result.

5. Close contacts should also get tested for COVID-19.

If at-home test result is negative and you have NO symptoms and have NOT been exposed to COVID-19: It is less likely that you have COVID-19. You may resume your daily activities while continuing to follow all public health advice.

Closure of Bureau of Economic Security Office - Northern Location
Please be advised the Bureau of Economic Security Office located at the Northern Public Health will be closed half-day to undergo deep sanitization process. However, clients can still utilize the drop box located outside of the facility or at our Tamuning location in Rancare 2nd floor. 

Operations will resume at 1:00 p.m. For additional information, contact the numbers below:

• BES North (Dededo) at 671-635-7488/7484/7439/7396/7429

• BES Central (RAN-Care) at 671-300-8850/3/4/8865

Tiyan COVID-19 Outreach Moves to Appointment-Based Testing, Hours Extended
Community COVID-19 testing at the old carnival grounds in Tiyan, Barrigada has transitioned to an appointment-based system with extended hours. Unscheduled drive-ups will be accepted on a limited basis. For the safety of the community and swabbers, only four (4) adults per vehicle are allowed to be tested. Symptomatic patients will be prioritized at unscheduled drive-ups. To schedule an appointment, visit tinyurl.com/covidstopswithme. 

Fill out a COVID-19 Testing Patient Assessment Form ahead of time, available at dphss.guam.gov/covid-19-testing.